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In early 1981 a group of retired
aboriginal veterans from the Canadian Armed Forces held a meeting and
through their vision a new organization was born. Several associations
were already in place such as the Royal Canadian Legion, Korean Veterans
Association and numerous other Regimental Associations. However there
was no organization or association strictly for the Aboriginal Veterans.
These founding members realized that although the aboriginal veterans
served proudly alongside their fellow countrymen and women and allied
forces, they felt a separate organization was necessary in order to remember
their fallen comrades of Aboriginal blood.
The document came into existence on the 8th of Apr. 1981 and was titled
the National Indian Veterans Association. It must be remembered
several injustices were suffered by the Aboriginal Veterans and they felt
a national organization with a definite set of goals and aims would enable
them to present a unified voice to air their concerns.
It is not necessary to elaborate on these injustices. This will only bring
injury to the wounds that are still festering and will still take some
time to heal completely. Mention should be made though that no start up
funds or grants were given to the veterans, any moneys received were through
their own initiatives and fund raising.
The organization then and now consists of a President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer and Sgt. At Arms. Meetings are held as required with
a national meeting and special meeting at least once a year. There is
no national office, but it is generally acknowledged to be in the home
province of the national secretary.
Through an act in parliament the definition of Aboriginal was clearly
defined, thus the constitution was amended to read as it exists today,
and that is National Aboriginal Veterans Association.
Of course it has always been the aim of the association to work cooperatively
with the Royal Canadian Legion and Department of Veterans Affairs, but
in recent years we have been actively involved with maintaining and securing
any benefits for our veterans. We also provide, as much as possible, a
presence at the traditional cultural ceremonies whether they be funerals,
or powwows.
Over the years, the association has grown in size and we now have a membership
in several of the provinces and territories. It is the goal and aim of
the present executive to have a large viable chapter in each province
and territory of this great country. We know this is possible and hopefully
this article will bring us more membership.
On the 21st of June 2000, a Medals Ceremony was held in Ottawa, and a
selected few Aboriginal Veterans received their medal. June 21st 2001
marked the finalization of our War Monument
Project with the unveiling and dedication. The Governor General and
several other distinguished guests were on hand for the ceremony and wreath
laying.
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